Police arrested a Roselle man who unsuccessfully attempted to rob a city man of his cellphone by displaying a sharp object early Monday morning in downtown Paterson.

Anthony McCormick, 51-year-old, has been charged with attempted robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest.

McCormick’s intended victim was waiting for his wife to come out of her work place at about 12:03 a.m. The suspect approached his intended victim and attempted to take his phone from his front pocket by displaying a sharp blunt object, said police director Jerry Speziale.

A witness to the incident, a driver in the area, flagged down police sergeant Edwin Cruz on Ward and Cianci Streets, informing him about the incident. Speziale said Cruz stepped out of his marked police vehicle and began to trail McCormick on foot.

Backup officers Robert DeLaCruz and Franco Caravella arrived to assist Cruz. The police officers verbally commanded the suspect stop, but McCormick continued to run. The officers caught up with the suspect and following a brief struggle placed him in handcuffs.

McCormick provided false identities to the police officers. He was later identified as a 51-year-old from Roselle.

“Individuals that come to Paterson and prey on our citizens will be sought out and arrested by Paterson’s finest,” stated Speziale. The director praised the abilities and rapid response of the police sergeant and officers while recognizing the role of the resident who flagged down Cruz to report the incident.

“The sergeant and officers quick response and ability to recognize the situation for what it was removed another dangerous criminal from our streets,” said Speziale. “The assistance of the observant community member is another example of the partnership with the community in making a safer Paterson.”

McCormick is being held in city police lockup pending arraignment, said the director.